1. Research Papers Writing an Outline

2. Outline shows two essential aspects of the paper:  Content  organization Three important parts of the research paper that never appear in the outline:  Introductory paragraph (s)  The paper’s conclusion  The Works Cited list

3. Writing an Outline Two types of outlines  Topic outline  Sentence outline  May be either or but not both  Some teachers make the decision for you others may specify  For your outline it doesn’t matter, just be consistent

4. Writing a Topic Outline The headings and subheadings are a series of words or phrases, not complete sentences A topic outline is quicker and easier to write. Sentence outline takes more time but has two advantages: (1) It furnishes a ready made topic sentences for your paragraphs. (2) it forces you to summarize what you are going to say about each topic that can reveal problems in the organization of your paper.

5. Topic Outline Example: I. Native American “code talkers” during World Wars I and II A. Who they are 1. Their tribes 2. Their languages B. What they did C. Why they were so successful 1. Spoken (not written) languages 2. Language totally unfamiliar to enemy code breakers

6. Writing Sentence Outline In a sentence outline every heading and subheading is a complete sentence (Subject and verb) a complete thought

7. Writing a Sentence Outline I. Native Americans served successfully as “code talkers” in the United States Armed forces during World Wars I and II. I. A. They were fluent speakers of their native languages. I. 1. They were Choctaws, Navajos, Comanches, II. Winnebagos, Kiowasa, and Cherokees. III. 2. Each tribe spoke a unique language II. B. Code talkers transmitted military information via walkie-talkie III. radios and field telephones to other speakers of their IV. language. V. C. Enemy code breakers were unable to understand the Indians’ VI. languages. VII. 1. Almost all were spoken languages only and had no VIII. written form. I. 2. These tribal languages were totally unfamiliar to outsiders.

8. Writing an Outline The first word in every heading begins with a capital letter. Sentence outlines (but not topic outlines) have a period at the end of each heading The indentations show a level of importance You should have at least three nor more than five main headings

9. Illogical Outline Topic: Why the movie The Wizard of Oz remains an enduring classic I. Its plot II. Its story line III. Its music IV. Its visual effects and songs

10. Topic: Why the movie The Wizard of Oz remains an enduring classic I. Its plot II. Its story line III. Its music IV. Its visual effects and songs Main headings I and II are about the same Songs would be part of music

11. Logical Outline Topic: Why the movie The Wizard of Oz remains an enduring classic I. Its plot II. Its characters III. Its music IV. Its special effects